Oh Happy Day.....

My sling is off... for most of the day... Dr. approved! I start a little rehab on the shoulder... just light until the collar bone finishes healing...but I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hate not being able to drive...but really couldn't do any turns safely... with one arm. It is getting old being stuck...with nothing but my thoughts...reminding me of everything that I'd like to get on with. Have to share one photo. taken by my dd in law. She thought it as funny as me. Since we live in Starkville, Mississippi, this is a TAXI(???) that sits in the parking lot of one of the shopping centers. Never seen it on the road...may have to call for a ride...just to prove they really drive it! Also...my dd' in law's photo of my lovely grandaughter doing free motion quilting. Can't wait for her to test drive my long arm... she is getting so grown up!

Still alive..... trying to catch up......

It has certainly been a long time. Where to start. The professor has finished all classes...now

studying for his comprehensive exams. Yeah!

The fabric shop I work at is closing at the end of August. I had been trying to catch up on quilting... to no avail. I was blessed to be asked to teach a Machine Quilting class for the Mississippi Quilt Association's summer gathering... a wonderful opportunity, and loads of fun with some wonderful ladies. All of our wonderful children and grands arrived for "Camp Grandbob" last Friday.... for a week full of fun. In fact, the oldest Grand, designed T shirts for Camp Grandbob, full of memories from celebrations past. The hillbilly pool was in place, we made homemade ice cream, had Birthday cake for all of our babies, picked blueberries from the wonderful blueberry patch, and tomatoes and squash from the garden. We ate watermelon, ribs, burgers and pizza. Played games, including guitar Hero and the Wii fit. We even had outdoor movies in the back yard, thanks to DS1 and his projection tv set up. Fireworks were set off... most of them safely....but at least one landed on the deck! I missed that one...as I was in the Emergency Room. DH sent me to the store on July 3, to get more citronella oil for the tiki torches...and whilst on the way there, another car, ran the red light....and slammed into me. Broken collar bone and displaced something or other. I am mending but very sore. So won't be doing much quilting for a couple of weeks at least. I am most sad, because the kids arrived on Friday...and this occured on Sat. So not much time to cuddle the two newest babies pictured here. The last photo is post accident... the kids weren't all cooperating...but I love it just the same. No makeup, sling, ice pack and all. Shame. I am picking this out with one hand... so must keep it short.

Its been a long while.......an update on MOM

Well the time has flown, I made it to Pennsylvania ok, and my dear Mom passed away that evening. I was able to spend a few hours with her while she was still able to speak, although she slept most of that time, but those things will be precious memories to me. Of course I hadn't brought any special clothes with me, just jeans and t shirts .... to which my DH said, " Hey, they have Goodwills up there. " He was only kidding, so I quickly purchsed funeral clothes, shoes, and helped take care of a small portion of thearrangements. It was something that I am thankful I was able to do for my brothers and sisters. DH arrived the next day, with some of my children also. Since I do come from a huge family there were a few little dramas. But nothing that couldn't be handled in order to make Mother's service an honor to her. I am thankful for that. It was healing to be with the sisters and brothers also, so I am thankful, I was able to be there and how blessed that I had an airline ticket that didn't have to be changed at the last minute. God certainly saw to my needs.
After returning to Mississippi, I didn't realize just how tired I was.... from all the emotions. I think I slept for a week. Then back to quilting, and last week I got to work in Philadelphia, PA with my sister. We do a conference together, always long hours, but I do enjoy it. I have quilted several quilts this past week, but left my digital camera at quilt guild, and hope to drive down on Tuesday to get it. Will share some pics when I get it. I appreciate all the prayers that came my way, for Mom and the family, they were definitely answered. I haven't even been on any blogs...so I am off to read all of your news. Have a great week.

We had a wonderful visit with our DS2 and family, Alas, I forgot my camera...so no pictures of our Little Princess. who is prettier every day. She was a delight..and her baby brother.... was a little darling. A very quick note..... Off to work. Mom is hanging in there...and I am flying up to visit her just after Easter. Pray that there are no late Snow storms.... with the weather you just don't know.

I have also, gotten back on track and finished up several customer quilts.... Still a bit behin

d. But can share these wonderful quilts..... I wish a few of them I had pieced, I so love the fact that my customers are so varied... and that I get to work on such different quilts. Although I do feel in a bit of a rut...they seem to be going toward the same quilt designs at the moment. I have become known as the feather queen as a result...but so enjoy doing feathers. I continue to slog through Piecing up some PIGS(projects in grocery sacks) to find a couple more to finish for the sisters. I have 3 cone for PA. and hope to finish one more.

Latest update about my mom.......

It is spring break and the Professor and I will be visiting with DS2 and family for a few days, then its back to quilting, cleaning, studying for the professor and worrying about all of lifes tragedies and comedies, and the many trials of my extended family. I am so blessed to be part of such a large and crazy IRISH family, warts and all.... and there are plenty warts, let me assure you. Then without going into much detail, I have to apologize that I have been so behind in my posts. My mother is terminally ill, and has declined quickly since her birthday. I am going up to see her in a few weeks and I must admit, because of her weakened condition, this is distressing me. My dad suffered a lengthy battle with cancer and seeing him slip away so slowly was extremely tramatic and it has happened again to Mom. I know it is a part of life, but still not easy to experience. In fact, the people in the Card section where I was buying her birthday card last month, probably thought I was nuts...as I stood there in the middle of the aisle, reading cards, and crying my eyes out. My emotions are making me a bit crazy, although I know this is what happens in life. Mother knows this is coming, she has just finally agreed to let Hospice help her out. So she is preparing for this as well. I weep for her, and want to cheer her up, make her laugh, keep her strong, but know I need to let her go too.This has been a roller coaster of emotions for my whole family and I get frustrated knowing there is little I can say to comfort her or ease her suffering. I only explain that I just don't have much to say on the blog. I hope you will pray for my extended family as they all transition to this new phase of our life, for some it will be more difficult than ever. Families are such wonderfully complicated things. Kind of like piecing a difficult quilt. Sometimes, the pieces come together in a big bump in the middle and at other times, they form a perfectly smooth and perfect piece. I am sure I will post photos of the grands as soon as our visit is over. Thanks for stopping by.

A Mississippi snow man.....and more quilts......

Like most parts of the country...we have had a cold winter...and even got some snow. Now this guy is a pretty pathetic looking snow man....but he made me laugh. Some college students in the neighborhood..probably from Florida....worked awfully hard to put him together. I had to snap the photo. I am growing weary of the cold, damp, gray days...as it has impeded my extra job, ie. quilting for others. It takes forever to heat up my building so that my machine will run. But I have done a couple of quilts since last post. One has already been delivered...a sweet vintage one, just simple squares. Looked like made from the grandmothers dresses. But I just finished a stunner.....made by Martha Dubard of Louisville Mississippi. Her applique is divine. I enjoyed the challenge of quilting this one. Not that I love super custom quilts.I actually enjoy doing what I call semi custom... ind. blocks..with borders. But the fine, super close quilting made me a bit nervous. I am still so new...lots of mistakes, stops and starts. But I am getting more comfortable all the time doing newer things to quilts. I am so excited to be able to see some of our grands in the next couple of weeks. Always a pleasure....now just need to get caught up on the quilting. I have a stack of customer quilts to finish, and a few more of my own, I'd love to get done. The red and gold quilt is a simple turning 20 quilt, gift for a sister.... she will get it soon, on the next visit to Pennsylvania. I need to finish at least 5 more..... before I go again, if I want to gift the sisters all at the same time. Sure wouldn't want any of them to think I was showing favoritism! Have a great day. I am off to watch olympics and work on some Dear Jane blocks. I am so behind.

My oldest Finished project for the year.....

Well, because I didnt' travel to Pennsylvania this past weekend..... I did get more sewing in. I actually finished up a couple of quilts for sisters. As my goal this year is to gift all of my sisters a quilt...then start with the brothers. So far 3 of my siblings have a quilt from me...... Now this one was that had been a PIG (Project in Grocery Sack) since 1988, the fabric is a dead giveaway. Rust calico... and royal blue. The center was not very well done..the basket part. So it went into a sack, I took it out... found some similar shade of Kona cotton in the blue, then found some more fabric that would coordinate with it....and quilted the daylights out of it. If my sister hates the front.... the back will be a white on white quilt...and its fine. I have several customer quilts to share as well..... this lovely blue and yellow one... is so pretty, then this darling pink and green applique...that a wonderful grandma made for her grandaughter. I also just finished this french braid quilt.... It is so pretty in person. I can't wait for my next one.... it s gorgeous little custom number.... with a Geisha panel in the center..... Not sure where it is going to take me...but can't wait to get going on it. Hope you all have a great day..... I am going to watch the super bowl with the professor...and eat blue bell ice cream... the perfect end to a great day!

My mother's Birthday....via the internet!!!!

Today my huge family...all my brothers and sisters celebrated my mother 's 75th Birthday..... unfortunately for me since they are all up in Pennsylvania, and I am in Mississippi, and I was to fly into Pittsburg today, via Baltimore...and we all know how that went. So I didn't make it in...much to my chagrin. I have to admit I cried.... I was upset when I got the call on Thursday evening telling me that my flight had been canceled...but my neice posted video of the birthday song and a few clips...as everyone else celebrated...so it was bittersweet...but almost as good as being there. Love you mom...... and am so glad that I was lucky enough to be born into a wonderful...large, never dull family! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

This photo was taken I believe in 1984 or so.

doesn't she look great...she had alreadydelivered 15 children.... she is an amazing woman!

Very Quick Post...... And Happy Birthday Lovey!

The weather has turned warmer...and I am trying to get stuck into some quilts that need finishing. It is the Professors birthday today... and our Anniversary. Hard to believe we have been married for 36 years today! I don't have a lot of early photos, we were way too poor..but this is a blast from the past. I had to photograph it as I can't quite figure out this scanner. The Professor has always made me laugh.... more than cry.... and put up with all my evil ways. Thanks "lovey"! Hope we have another 36 years together. This was taken several years into our marriage..about 4, I think. The Professor was still in college...and we loved Stillwater, OK. If I am not mistaken we went to the Cowboy Mall across from campus and ate Pizza. What a splurge!Good times. Funny, but we still like takeout for this special day! Tonight is Chinese!

Now I did also work on a couple of little quilts this week, have been using my time to work on last years buc a block project...and this is how far I have been able to get to....the blocks...and I designed some star blocks to fit into the sashing to create another little interest block. I still have to add borders...but it is getting there.

I also am finishing up a little quilt made by my DD in law, the ever creative Jen. I quilted it and am doing the much hated binding for her. So that it can be sent onto Florida to a new niece.Jen wanted the feathers to follow the Zig Zag, I think that was a good idea...it worked out well.

I also did this adorable fairy quilt for a lovely Mississippi gal. It needs to be finished before they leave for the Carolinas. I love the feathers on this one...And it was fun to do too.You may notice the little roll up on the quilt, we made these yesterday at quilt guild. To roll up projects...like applique or redwork. I love the fact that it was quick to make and practical too. Our President keeps her DearJane blocks in it to take along. I am so behind on DJ at the moment. But loved this roll up. This last picture is it opened...carrying another mighty old UFO, it may be recognized by some of the Pampa Texas quilt gals...My Friendship blocks from 1999! Shame on me. But they are all now....sewed into blocks finally and about to become a Masterpiece!Until next time! Have a great day!

How we spent our Christmas vacation........

Just a quick share. We had so much fun visiting our Children this past month. And saw a few fun things along the way. The trip began in Mississippi, Lousiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, then back to Mississippi. Now..... we got to have fun with the grands, baking cookies, watching movies, and even bowling. The kids got into all of it of course.Some, more than others. We also decided to give the bigger kids money... as part of their Christmas....now since cash is cash... we also had been saving our change for the past year..... and it just made sense to give them the whole jar..... let them count it all out..and then divide it three ways. They had almost as much fun counting it out as anything they could spend it on. And after much deliberation, it was decided to buy wood, to make a fort out of. Fun for a long time, I am sure. I also felt like I had to share this picture. As we were driving in Kansas, we spotted a neon signed Hippie van...advertising Chimineas... now , not a one was in sight..but they also seemed to be peddling another product!!!! The sign on the back of the van gave me a chuckle...but maybe it has something to do with growing up in the 60's! Then it was on to see the Princess and her baby brother. Here she is all dressed up...with no place in particular to go! Finally, have just a few quick quilts to share. Sorry for the quality of the photos...but cameras and I are just not on speaking terms. I quilted all of these and thought them all quite nice.

Snuggy's and good times.....

We are with the grands... and made them all snuggy fleece blankets. They were a hit as you can imagine. We made cookies today...hope to frost and put sprinkles on later tonight. I am enjoying the games...... we have played more board games... and laughed so much. Always fun times. Hope you all are keeping warm. I was so happy when I finished my very last quilt for a customer two days before we left to come to Kansas. And the College "ball wars" are going well. Oklahoma State is at the top of the tree as we speak. We 'll have to see who is the winner on Christmas morning. More good times.

Lost but found... How we spent our Thanksgiving vacation.....

I thought I had lost my digital camera...but lo and behold....this AM as I tried to do a quick clean between quilts...there it was under some trimmed batting. Maybe that is where my other lost things can be found???? May need to do a deep clean as soon as I finish up my Christmas rush. Almost caught up with that .Thanksgiving was a quick trip up to Tennessee for time with DD and the Wee One. He kept Grandbob and Honey busy, and of course we had to peruse every sale ad to see if we had to venture out in the wee hours of the morning. DD and I didn't get up until 6...then we went to a few places but not any place that was terribly crazy. I splurged on some new rubber mats for beneath my machine. They are so great on the feet. The very vintage quilt and the wonderful young vet student holding it...is such a wonderful story...I felt I had to share. Her very dearest friend' mother passed away when she was quite young...and she is having difficulty adjusting to her father's new person in his life. So this darling girl bought a vintage quilt, and had me quilt it for her, then she has added photos of her friend with her mother in theplain blocks. Hoping that this will assist her friend with her grief. I acutally cried when she told me the story. What a thoughtful friend Jenny is. I wish I had a photo of the "After" the photos had been added. But I am certain it will be cherished. I have been busy, since just before Thanksgiving, finished a Christmas table topper for my sister, and a Bargello for my friend. Then I put on this UFO.... for the third time.... to finally finish up the white sections. It seemed that every time I put in on my machine, I would get several quilts that needed to be done right away. So it would come back off.I wanted to try something new.

But the nice thing is that I can see some improvement on my quilting. The white sections...are just a practice of a non marked ...meandering kind of formal feathering. I really enjoyed doing it.... very freeing. I also did a few more customer quilts...love this Block of the month that I had the pleasure of doing. I also did two sweet little ones... that I feel like i had to share.

the last little one is a donation quilt for the Sheriff's dept. We provide them to ride along in the Sheriff's cars, so that if a child needs something for comfort, they can wrap up in something. I loved the Moda fabric my friend used. I wish you could see the quilting.... it is a swirl vine.... then feather bumps in the border.